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Mastercastle: Enfer

Melodic/Heavy/Power Metal

4.5/5.0

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Scarlet Records
Words: Craig Hartranft  Added: 08.10.2014

If you haven't caught up with melodic metal band Mastercastle, now's a very good time. Formed around master guitarist Pier Gonella (Necrodeath, Labyrinth, et al) and vocalist Giorgia Gueglio, the band has been delivering solid neo-classical guitar driven melodic heavy metal albums since 2009. Their latest and fifth, Enfer is no exception.

Mastercastle: matching hair.

As with previous albums and knowing Gonella's general guitar style, you would expect that a Mastercastle album would simply be a place where he can wail on his guitar over ten songs. In some sense that is a correct presumption. But Gonella is also a fine song craftsman. All his guitar wizardry is wrapped up in arrangements where every player and instrument has their appointed part in the whole. Gueglio's contributions inspire some of this as her lyrics easily suggest timing in melody and harmony.

But, mostly, with all these elements combined, the songs simply sound pretty terrific. With all of Gonella and Gueglio's flair, the songs flow with catchy melody and, quite often, true rock groove. Notable are Venice, Naked, Pirates, and the title track Enfer. While many songs have a hastening pace, a song like Straight to the Bone turns on a combination of heavy riffs and a symphonic layer. Let Me Out moves with steadies of classic heavy metal with riffs leading thick rhythm section and Gueglio's vocals soaring over everything. A somewhat lighter number comes with the anthem Behind the Veil, at least at the start. It build carefully until a solo erupts a midpoint, then to be followed by ever rising vocals and guitar. As with previous albums, Gonella takes a turn at an instrumental with Coming Bach. Expect more fancy fret work. And, as with previous albums, expect another solid and entertaining album of melodic heavy metal from guitarist Pier Gonella and Mastercastle. Easily recommended.

Mastercastle - Enfer

As with previous albums, expect another solid and entertaining album of neo-classical melodic heavy metal from guitarits Pier Gonella and Mastercastle. Easily recommended.

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Formed 23 years ago, Finland's Excalion has had a turbulent musical career. Before releasing a trio of albums between 2005 and 2010, they had personnel changes. Currently, only the drummer and keyboard ... [ Read More ]